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Angel: 1x18 Full Reaction

"Five by Five"

Angel: 1x18 Full Reaction

Comments

I loveeee faith

Walt Yú-Martzen

The ending always gets me!

Phoenix Dawn

I think Dennis knew there was someone strange at home, but didn't know much else about her.

Phoenix Dawn

Yeah got a vitamin d deficiency working overnights. I have depression, and my bloodwork always shows low on vitamin b when I’m feeling low. I haven’t gotten a b shot yet but I’ve been debating making an appointment for one because it’s something I’ve discussed with my doctor before that it might help.

Cait

My understanding was that as soon as she heard it was Angel she was hired to kill, she knew she wanted to push him to kill her. But I like Paul E.'s take too.

éléonore Haas

Vitamin B12. If you are low you become very fatigued. Take it from somebody who needs B12 injections every 3 months and has lived with the effects of completely bottoming out of B12 and has the brain damage to prove it (my case is part of very complex medical situation and is believed to be part of a probably unique mix of genetic defects, my full genome test should be done by the end of the year!). Excess fatigue can also be caused by anaemia, low vitamin D never helps, side effects of some medication and also mental health. I would recommend getting a blood test to check your levels of these sneaky energy suckers!

JenJen on Wheels

Somebody probably already said this but what Faith was trying to achieve is the equivalent of suicide by cop (in this case suicide by Angel). She didn’t have what is needed mentally to end her own life, she couldn’t do it to herself because she needed it to be so one else action, to end her own life would have to further along in the journey of self reflection and responsibility. (I know I’m not expressing this well, apologies). That’s just my take anyway.

JenJen on Wheels

More than slightly, (I'm afraid) if we're being honest. But agreed - nobody's fault.

Ian Ramsey

For your tiredness you might be low on vitamin b, it can make you feel tired even when you sleep! Try taking some b complex vitamin

Cait

Quick comment about the relevance of the flashback. Angel tried to continue being evil even after he regained his soul, as we see from his attacking the group of people in Romania and trying to feed off the woman. It’s as if he could not imagine living any other way. He was trying to convince himself that he was still evil. But he could not go through with it. I think Faith is going through the same process. She started to realize and regret her own evil in Sunnydale, in the church scene, but she pulled back from the regret and tried to throw herself into evil again, perhaps afraid of how painful true repentance would be. In this episode I think she is genuinely trying out evil again to see if she can still do it. So she and Angel are going through same process. Finally Faith too realizes that she can’t do it, at which point she tries to get herself killed. We don’t see Angel try to kill himself in this episode but he did in the Buffy episode Amends.

Paul E.

The Wolfram & Hart lawyers are Lindsey McDonald (male, trendy haircut), Lilah Morgan (femme fatale brunette type) and Lee Mercer (receding hair, lacks 'people skills'.)

Ross Nolan

I seem to recall reading Tim Minear explaining that all the lawyers having L.M. initials was just the writers not paying attention to naming them 😂.

Rebecca

I remember Michael Stipe once said he had a dream where everyone had the initials LB, inspiring some lyrics for ITEOTWAWKI. Maybe Joss had a similar dream? 😃

Anthony

It's honestly so frustrating to see reactors (not just Cass) roll their eyeballs at a 'cliche', knowing that so many shows copied Buffy and Angel to help them become said cliche. There's nothing we can do about that, obviously, and it's not the reactor's fault, but it does take away something from the experience slightly.

Anthony

I wonder why Dennis didn't do anything to Faith. Like, fling a couple of knives at her or something?

Anthony

I love Faith’s character. I think it is easy for people to hate someone who hurts others for no reason. Faith shows us how hard it is to cause pain without feeling remorse. Those who hurt others know what pain is more than can be imagined, they punish themselves for their “wrong doing” but it is never enough. There is actually more I would like to say but i don’t have the words for it. I also love the actress, Eliza Dushku (I think that’s how you spell her name) she did such an amazing job in this scene, and many others actually.

Mayra Martinez

Girl, same with the tiredness. It's all tired all the time right now. Don't feel like doing anything but watching Buffyverse reactions so thanks for keeping us fellow tireds entertained.

Jonathan Hall

Phantom Dennis actually tried to deter Cordy from entering her apartment bc Faith was waiting for them inside. You didn't comment on it so I'm mentioning it just in case 🤗

lorney tunes

Why does a Vampire have the soul of a human and a demon? Why are there two Slayers? These are things that make magic a really unreliable thing. Magic makes the rules go wonky. Buffy and Faith seem to have the same abilities. Kendra the Slayer died because she was sheltered and gave in to fear. Buffy is always being tested to give in to fear, but rarely does. Faith is afraid of everything, but pretends to be afraid of nothing. She is afraid of losing her soul to darkness. All those flashbacks of Angel having remorse were to show that there is a spiral that you can get trapped in, were it just get worse, and hope fades to black. The actress Eliza did a good job of Faith "going too far" like she did on Buffy.

spikeysnack

The flashbacks showed that yes, Angel does understand the need for redemption- and also that the path is not always a straight line. As you saw, he attacked that woman in the alley after he had a soul. He understands that even though Faith had done horrible things, and continues to do horrible things, she can still change, she can still be redeemed. It's the same situation for that gang-banger guy at the beginning of the episode. Cordelia didn't think he could change and testify in court but Angel believed in him.

StephanieB

i hope Cass reads this cuz it's TRUE

lorney tunes

Previously-on's, that were added after episodes were finished, do provide some helpful reminders of arcs that may have happened years ago. The shame is that they sometimes move surprises to the beginning of an episode when the writers/directors construct reveals at different points. US DvD's and some VHS releases dont have any previously-on - there is only one that is missed, it really should be part of that episode.

The Testimony of Mushroom

Yes, Cass, things did get super ugly in the comments of your last Buffy reaction. It was sad to see, and even though I wasn't involved, I want to apologize on behalf of all Buffy fans. As you know, most of us are not like that. Anyway, I come down fully on the side of "watch how you want to watch". Personally, I've seen so many reactors avoid watching "previously ons" that it's refreshing to see someone react to a version of the show in the way I actually experienced the first time myself. Whether you get excited that Oz or Faith is back when watching the "Previously" or during the first shot of them in the episode, it makes little difference. I still get to see that excitement and that's what I'm here for! As others have said, so many things were spoiled for us when the show originally aired, whether it was the "Previously" or "Next time" or commercials for upcoming episodes. Not to mention the opening credits (guest stars) and weekly TV Guide, which gave episode titles and summaries of the upcoming show! We watched and read it all and all it did was increase everyone's anticipation.

StephanieB

I really can't wait for your next reaction after this. These last episodes leading to the finale are great, and season 2 just gets even better.

Morgan Williams

Yes you are gonna be getting more familiar with some of the Wolfram and Hart team. There is one of them I really like, another I can't stand but both are great characters either way.

Morgan Williams

Not hard to believe she would get into the limo when she dives into anything and everything without a second thought or care, and especially at this time in her life.

Morgan Williams

I love Faith. Totally understand how easy it would be to fly off the wheel with powers like she has along with no support system, and though Buffy did try to be there for her she always felt like a side-note in her shadow, and all the anger/hurt led her trampling on everyone in her way or path and now she's to the point of no return and just wants it to be over. Underneath all the rage you know there's a person that's worth being loved though, it's just sad cuz she never experienced that and didn't think she was capable.

Morgan Williams

You gotta get used to seeing what you consider “cliches” in TV. Most of them became overused after Buffy/Angel did them. The Buffyverse really is the blueprint.

codrut

I looove this episode but the one flashback in Romania is so weird to watch as a romanian. They butchered my language so bad lmao, they speak it with a heavy american accent it takes me out of the show immediately.

codrut

No vampires have a soul, it's definitely a rare thing. Lots of demons of all kinds are soulless, but depending on the breed.

Morgan Williams

Your hair looks great.

Morgan Williams

Getting sick from Taco Blood that's not pleasant. I've been eating a lot of crunchwrap supremes they never disappoint.

Morgan Williams

I've been tired too, it happens. I've been waiting for you to get to this episode though so excited plus more to come yay!

Morgan Williams

Try drinking the white monster zero, they are the best and easy to drink. Sometimes you need a kick.

Morgan Williams

If you go with Lucifer—“Lucifer Morningstar” is a common epithet. I actually don’t know if anyone from the show has ever commented on the naming scheme but it might just be something Joss Whedon picked up from comic books where certain patterns in the initial letters of names are common.

Bernhard

I've always wondered how Angel got into that apartment though 🤔 the owner didn't die. Perhaps they popped to the hospital to get an invite? That would have been an interesting conversation 🤣

CeNedra

I do think they expected him to die quickly as well, either from walking into the sunlight or letting someone stake him. I think that's why they never bothered to keep doing the curse on other vampires.

Gung Ho

Has anyone ever explained why the Wolfram & Hart lawyers we see all have the initials LM? Do these initials have some kind of traditional relationship to Evil? (Lucifer and Mephistopheles?) Or maybe it's just that Joss knows somebody with those initials that he really doesn't like.

DanielOrme

I must compliment you on picking up so quickly on the idea that Faith wanted to die. I've seen more than a few reactors watch this episode and only one even noticed how sick and at-the-end-of-her-rope Faith looks throughout. That was a beautiful analysis at the end of why Faith doesn't just kill herself (after all, she has a gun). From her point of view, she needs to be killed. That's why she instantly grabs at the idea of hunting Angel when it's offered. She's sure he can do it. How about giving some credit to Phantom Dennis? He knew Faith was there, so he tried to keep Cordy safe.

DanielOrme

The three main lawyers in this episode were Lindsey MacDonald, who we met in episode 1, Lee Mercer, who we met in episode 6 (the one where the cops got all sensitive), and Lilah Morgan, who we met at the fight club. All three have the initials L. M. (if that's helpful). As far as we know, Angel is the only vampire who has a soul. So it's pretty rare for a vampire to have a soul. We aren't told if it's ever happened in the past. The brilliance of the flashbacks in this episode is that they highlight the beginning of Angelus' redemption arc by essentially transforming him into Angel. Angel is suddenly traumatized by all the horrible atrocities he's committed in the past. As he once said to Buffy, "You have no idea what it's like to do the things I've done...and to care." This ties in with Faith screaming about how bad she is, to the point where she has her own breakdown at the end of the episode. It's obvious why this is a fan favorite. Everything was brilliantly done. And yet we're still at the beginning of a show that is both dark and beautiful. There's much more to come.

Steve Quast

I have a ton to say but I'll save it for the next episode. I just wanted to comment and say that as someone who also lives in the Milwaukee area, I deeply appreciated your David Gruber reference. :) I'm sure that went over the heads of most other viewers.

Land Howard Johnston

Let's agree to disagree.

G. Smith

Exactly. She's unnaturally strong AND she has a death wish.

G. Smith

Buffy didn't do a ton of things "first," it just used a _lot_ of already existing tropes and handled many of them well.

Holy Stregas

To cause more damage?

G. Smith

It needs to be said. The window Faith jumped out of after shooting Angel was right next to the front door. It's a ground-level window, adjacent to a perfectly good front door. WHY????

Rachel Espiritu

I've been so excited for you to react to this episode. Five By Five is really fantastic and it's one of my favourite episodes to rewatch. Wesley getting tortured by Faith is sad but fitting. You can tell she's frustrated and resentful that she was lumbered with him instead of Giles. The scene where Faith is dancing in the club is the perfect way to show how completely out of control she is. She's on a complete self destruct mission this entire episode. I loved that you picked up on the parallels between Angel and Faith. He actually says in a Buffy season 3 episode, 'You and me Faith, we're a lot alike'. All the stuff with the gang member struggling to do the right thing at the beginning of the episode also foreshadows the stuff with Faith. The expression on Wesley's face after he hits Faith is kind of chilling.

Rebecca

I really like the "The husband says she's a real witch" line. Cordelia is trying to describe a real world problem as if it were a supernatural problem. It's the inversion of how the Buffy and Angel shows generally work. Great episode, Great reaction! Looking forward to the next one.

James Smith

Whenever you've seen something a lot in movies and TV and it's a classic trope, there's a decent chance that Buffy did it first.

G. Smith

If Darla was real, and you met her, the only question is, would you end up permanently dead, or would she sire you. ;-)

Thom Purdy

When they were filming this episode, they wanted to have it rain during the last scene, but they didn't have the budget to make it so. On the night of filming, it started raining for real.

Thom Purdy

Since you are watching the previously on footage, I really want to see your reaction to it, and I love that you give us that. Seeing your reaction to Faith being in the footage was so much better than if you had known already. I am glad it was not spoiled for you.

Dave Hampton

Eliza is a truly incredible actress

Melissa Reynolds

I had similar issues on Safari but when I switched to Chrome it was fine - I just assumed it was my browser playing up!

Melissa Reynolds

There's Lindsey McDonald, the first W&H lawyer we met in the premier episode. Then Lee Mercer, who we met in "Sense and Sensitivity". And Lilah Morgan, who we met in "The Ring".

Thom Purdy

Underactive thyroid maybe. Or mono.

Melissa

This is my favorite episode of the entire Buffyverse. Not just on Angel, not just on Angel with Buffy characters, but of the entire run of both shows. And while the episode as a whole is fantastic - the cinematography and that beautiful ending shot - it is because of Eliza and her acting. This one never fails to not bring me to tears. She does such a spectacular job of showcasing her inner thoughts - the insecurities, the self-hatred, the brokenness. It's a five plus out of five for me on Five By Five. I love every single second of it.

Melissa

How rare is it for vampires to have a soul? As far as we know from the show, there is exactly one who does.

G. Smith

As a vampire with a soul, as far as anyone knows, Angel is unique.

Thom Purdy

Is anybody having trouble getting the videos to play? I no longer have controls to play or rewind or fast forward or enlarge the viewer.

Joshua Taylor

She gets into the limo because she's a slayer. She doesn't believe she has anything to be afraid of.

Thom Purdy

Fun fact: They originally wanted it to be raining at the end of this episode but due to low budget, they had to scrap that idea. Ironically, Mother Nature helped them out in that final scene.

Shea

Iron insufficiency maybe. Or you're not getting enough oxygen while you sleep. Or it could be because of allergy season. Or depression. Or a thousand other reasons. ;)

G. Smith

As far as we know, Angel is the only vampire to have their soul returned.

Christine Cox

The episode I've been waiting for since you started Angel! And one of the main reasons why Angel is essential viewing for understanding some Buffy characters. So excited for this!

Melissa Reynolds

*smirk*

Steve Mercier

I'm giddy like one one of my 5th graders when I tell them they can have an extra ten minutes of recess for this one!

aeronitz


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